Advocates call for help as many NC child care facilities to lose federal funding

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Advocates gathered at Freedom Park in Raleigh on Wednesday morning, calling for increased funding for childcare centers across North Carolina.

Speakers reminded the crowd that by the end of the month, federal COVID-era subsidies will dry out. Nearly one in three childcare facilities in North Carolina say that if this happens, they might have to shut down.

“Every day that passes without adequate funding for child care, another child falls behind. Another parent faces the impossible situation of choosing between work and caring for their child,” said Cassandra Brooks, the owner of Little Believers Academy.

Brooks told CBS 17 that staffing costs are what keeps her expenses so high, but there’s no way around it.

“Anybody knows, no matter what industry you’re in right now, that it has changed. The amount you pay for staff has drastically went up,” said Brooks.

The looming funding cliff also comes as the NC Chamber released a report Wednesday, saying that childcare breakdowns are costing North Carolina $5.65 billion each year in lost economic activity. One parent told CBS 17 that the lack of options makes it difficult for her, as a single parent. 

“It’s hard to find childcare today that is affordable, and you know, bringing your kids into a daycare that you can trust people,” said Tyesha King, a prospective parent at Little Believers Academy.